Ryan Family Crest

The Irish surname Ryan is of patronymic origin, being derived from the Gaelic name Ó Maoilriain (Riain), from the first name Rian, meaning “ little king.” The sept was located on the border of counties Tipperary and Limerick and is now one of the most numerous surnames in Ireland. There was another Ó Riain in county Carlow. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of O'Maoilriain, which was dated circa 14th Century, in "Medieval Records of County Tipperary", during the reign of Gerald, Earl of Desmond, 1369 - 1374.